Warning of Dangerous Epidemic from H5N1 Bird Flu

The H5N1 bird flu virus spreading among cats in the USA and Europe could cause a new dangerous epidemic, warned Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya Center. According to him, the virus is already demonstrating high lethality and could acquire the ability to transmit from human to human — in this case, the consequences would be comparable to smallpox. Particular concern is raised by the fact that cats become a kind of incubator for virus mutations. Animals get infected by eating infected birds or eggs. According to experts, there is a need to develop a prototype vaccine for the new H5N1 strain with the capability for rapid large-scale production.